land at mickle well park daventry northamptonshire...land at mickle well park, daventry,...

Land at Mickle Well Park Daventry

Northamptonshire Archaeological Evaluation

for Orbit Homes

CA Project: 661247

CA Report: 18565

February 2019

Land at Mickle Well Park

Daventry Northamptonshire

Archaeological Evaluation

CA Project: 661247 CA Report: 18565

Document Control Grid Revision Date Author Checked by Status Reasons for

revision Approved

by A 13/02/2019 JC SRJ Draft Quality Assurance SRJ

This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third

party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.

© Cotswold Archaeology


1

Land at Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 6

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ................................................................ 9

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................... 12

4. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 13

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-38) ....................................................................................... 16

6. THE FINDS ........................................................................................................ 51

7. THE BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE .......................................................................... 53

8. DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................... 58

9. CA PROJECT TEAM .......................................................................................... 63

10. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 64

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................... 66

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS .............................................................................................. 84

APPENDIX C: THE PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE ......................................... 86

APPENDIX D: OASIS REPORT FORM .......................................................................... 88


2


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000)

Fig. 2 Site, looking south-west (photograph)

Fig. 3 Geophysical survey (not to scale)

Fig. 4 Trench location plan showing archaeological features and geophysical survey

results (1:3,500)

Fig. 5 Trench location plan, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey

results within the western area of site (1: 11,750)

Fig. 6 Trench location plan, showing archaeological features, geophysical survey results

and previous evaluation trenches within the eastern area of the site (1:11,750)

Fig. 7 Representative section (photograph)

Fig. 8 Pit/ditch terminus 9603, looking south-east (photograph)

Fig. 9 Ditch 3003, looking north (photograph)

Fig. 10 Trench 30, section (1:20)

Fig. 11 Ditch 10408, looking north-west (photograph)


Fig. 13 Trench 120, sections (1:20)


Fig. 15 Furrow 602, looking east (photograph)

Fig. 16 Ditch 6502, looking north-west (photograph)

Fig. 17 Ditch 7102, looking south-west (photograph)

Fig. 18 Ditch 8102, looking south-east (photograph)

Fig. 19 Ditch 9105, looking (photograph)

Fig 20 Ditch 104, looking east (photograph)

Fig. 21 Ditch 10703, looking west (photograph)

Fig. 22 Ditch 11404, looking north (photograph)

Fig. 23 ditch 11802, looking north (photograph)

Fig. 24 Pit/ditch terminus 12107, looking west (photograph)

Fig. 25 Pit 301, looking north (photograph)

Fig. 26 Pit 5703, looking south (photograph)


Fig. 28 Ditch 9403, looking west (photograph)


Fig. 30 Ditch 9503, looking north-east (photograph)


Fig. 32 Ditch 9904, looking north-east (photograph)

Fig. 33 pit 9908, looking north-east (photograph)


3


Fig. 34 Pit 10608, looking south-west (photograph)

Fig. 35 ditch 11002, looking north-west (photograph)

Fig. 36 Pits 11502 and 11504, looking east (photograph)

Fig. 37 Pit 11706, looking north-west (photograph)

Fig. 38 ditch 11710, looking north-west (photograph)


4


SUMMARY

Project Name: Land at Mickle Well Park

Location: Daventry, Northamptonshire

NGR: 457100 265400

Type: Evaluation

Date: 21 January to 8 February 2019

Planning Reference: Daventry District Council; DA/2014/0869

Location of Archive: To be retained at CA offices until a suitable depository is available

Site Code: MWP 19

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology between January

and February 2019 of land at Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire. The fieldwork

comprised the excavation of one hundred and twenty trenches.

Archaeological interest in the site is derived from its location within an area containing known

archaeological remains. Previous geophysical survey of the site identified anomalies

interpreted as rectilinear enclosures, most likely indicative of Romano-British settlement.

Subsequent targeted archaeological evaluation confirmed the presence of archaeological

remains in the form of rectilinear enclosures, concentrated in the north-eastern part of the

site.

The current evaluation further recorded the remains of a settlement which forms the

periphery of the previously identified Late Iron Age and Roman settlement, which was

investigated in December 2013. In the current site, the remains consisted of a series of

ditches and pits. The settlement lies on a south facing slope at between 125m and 135m

above Ordnance Datum within the eastern part of the site. The evaluation and geophysical

survey results suggest that north-eastern part of the site was the main focus of settlement

with parts of the remainder of the site utilised for agriculture.

Medieval plough furrows, the remains of the open field system that once surrounded the

village of Welton/Daventry, were encountered across the entire site; variations in their

alignment indicates that the site covers parts of three or more former open fields.

The evaluation identified ditches and agricultural features within the remainder of the site

from which a small amount of material dateable to the post-medieval and modern periods

was recovered. The majority of these ditches are recorded on historic mapping. The


5


remaining field boundary ditches, furrows and land drains fit within the general alignment of

the surrounding field systems depicted on historic and current Ordnance Survey mapping.

Five large pits unevenly distributed across the western and central parts of the site remained

undated, although they are likely to relate to post-medieval to modern quarrying.

The flanking ditches of two possible trackways were identified within the eastern part of the

site, but remained undated. Further pits and ditches, predominantly concentrated in the

eastern part of the site, could not be attributed to either the identified Iron Age, Roman or

medieval to modern activity.


6


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 During January and February 2019, Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an

archaeological evaluation of land at Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire

(centred at NGR: 457100 265400; Fig. 1). The evaluation was commissioned by

Orbit Homes.

1.2 Detailed planning permission for the construction of 106 dwellings, with outline

approval for 450 plots, was granted by Daventry District Council (DDC; the local

planning authority) conditional on a programme of archaeological works

(DA/2014/0869; Condition 10).

1.3 The scope of the evaluation, which comprised the excavation of 120 evaluation

trenches, was defined during discussions between CA and Lesley-Ann Mather,

Northamptonshire County Council’s Archaeology Advisor (NCCAA; the

archaeological advisors to DDC).

1.4 The evaluation was carried out in accordance with the Brief for the Archaeological

Field Evaluation of Land at Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire (NCC

2018) prepared by Lesley-Ann Mather, and with a subsequent detailed Written

Scheme of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2018) and approved by Lesley-Ann

Mather. The fieldwork also followed Standard and guidance: Archaeological field

evaluation (CIfA 2014), the Management of Research Projects in the Historic

Environment (MORPHE): Project Planning Note 3 (English Heritage 2008), the

Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project

Manager’s Guide (EH 2006) and was monitored by Lesley-Ann Mather, including a

site visit on 6 February 2019.

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8


The site 1.5 The proposed development site is c. 37ha in area, located approximately 250m

north-west of Daventry. It comprises predominantly arable fields with a small area of

woodland located within the centre of the site (Fig. 2). The site lies between

approximately 160m above Ordnance Datum (aOD) and 115m aOD.

1.6 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as Dyrham Formation,

mudstone and siltstone of the Jurassic period. This is overlain in the western part of

the site by Mid Pleistocene glaciofluvial deposits of sand and gravel. No superficial

deposits are recorded in the eastern part of the site (BGS 2019).

Fig. 2 Site, looking south-west


9


2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 The archaeological and historical background of the site have been detailed within

the Heritage Statement (CgMs 2014) and further supplemented by the findings of a

geophysical survey, evaluation (CgMs 2014) and a watching brief carried out during

the excavation of geotechnical test pits (ULAS 2017). The following section is

summarised from these sources.

2.2 The Historic Environment Record records a single non-designated asset in the

north-east of the site, comprising surface finds dating to the Roman period identified

during fieldwalking (HER617).

2.3 Geophysical survey of the site, undertaken by Stratascan in November 2013 (CgMs

2014), identified probable archaeological anomalies in the north-east of the site,

including a possible rectilinear enclosure and linear features close to where the

fieldwalking finds were identified. Across the remainder of the site anomalies were

also identified in localised areas which may be of potential archaeological interest or

may simply represent modern agricultural activity or be of geological origin (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3 Geophysical survey (CgMs 2014)

2.4 A subsequent targeted evaluation, undertaken in the north-east of the site and

comprising six trial trenches, was undertaken in December 2013 (CgMs 2014; see

Fig. 4). The evaluation revealed a small ditched enclosure of possible Late Iron Age

date and further field ditches, at least two of which contained material dating to the

late 1st and 2nd century AD. Pottery and ceramic building material recovered from


10


the latter hint at the presence of settlement in the near vicinity, whilst the presence

of wheat chaff from three of the ditches is indicative of crop processing activity

taking place nearby. A small but wide-ranging assemblage of animal bone confirms

the presence of domesticated animals as well as domestic fowl and hare.

2.5 An archaeological watching brief undertaken during the excavation of 65

geotechnical test pits excavated across the site in September 2017 recorded no

archaeological finds or features (ULAS 2017).

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12


3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objectives of the evaluation, as detailed in the WSI (CA 2018), were to provide

information about the archaeological resource within the site, including its

presence/absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and

quality, in accordance Standard and guidance: Archaeological field evaluation (CIfA

2014). This information will enable Daventry District Council to identify and assess

the particular significance of any heritage asset, consider the impact of the proposed

development upon it, and to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s

conservation and any aspect of the development proposal, in line with the National

Planning Policy Framework (MHCLG 2019).


13


4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 The fieldwork comprised the excavation of 120 trenches in the locations shown on

the attached plan (Figs 4 to 6). The evaluation consisted of 14 trenches measuring

20m long, 7 trenches measuring 30m long, 83 trenches measuring 40m long and 16

trenches measuring 50m long, with each trench measuring 1.8m wide. Trenches

103 and 122-124 could not be excavated due to ecological constraints. Trenches

were set out on OS National Grid (NGR) co-ordinates using Leica GPS and

surveyed in accordance with CA Technical Manual 4: Survey Manual.

4.2 All trenches were excavated by mechanical excavator equipped with a toothless

grading bucket. All machine excavation was undertaken under constant

archaeological supervision to the top of the first significant archaeological horizon or

the natural substrate, whichever was encountered first. Where archaeological

deposits were encountered they were excavated by hand in accordance with CA

Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual.

4.3 Deposits were assessed for their palaeoenvironmental potential in accordance with

CA Technical Manual 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other

Samples from Archaeological Sites. All artefacts recovered were processed in

accordance with Technical Manual 3: Treatment of Finds Immediately after

Excavation.

4.4 The archive and artefacts from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their

offices in Milton Keynes. There is currently no depository accepting archives from

this part of Northamptonshire. The project archive will therefore be held by CA at

their offices in Milton Keynes until such a time as a depository becomes available. A

summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix D, will be entered

onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

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16


5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-38)

5.1 This section provides an overview of the evaluation results; detailed summaries of

the recorded contexts, finds and palaeoenvironmental evidence are to be found in

Appendices A, B and C respectively.

5.2 The results of the fieldwork showed a good correlation with the preceding

geophysical survey and appeared to form the continuation of activity identified in the

previous targeted archaeological evaluation (Figs 3 to 6). Geophysical survey

identified a small ditched enclosure, which previous targeted evaluation identified as

being of possible Late Iron Age date; further field-system ditches dating to the late

1st and 2nd century AD were also recorded in the north-east of the site as well as

other anomalies of potential archaeological interest in localised areas across the

remainder of the site.

5.3 No archaeological features or deposits were identified during the present evaluation

within Trenches 1, 2, 5, 7-11, 13-18, 20, 21, 25, 28-29, 31, 33-42, 44-42, 44-49, 51,

56, 62-64, 66-70, 73-75 77-80, 84-89, 92-93, 98, 100, 102, 108, 112, 113, 116 and

119. Natural features were identified in Trenches 20, 23, 24, 50, 57, 67 and 68.

Furrows were located within Trenches 6, 19, 22-24, 26-27, 32, 43, 50, 52-55, 59-61,

76, 105, 109 and 111.

General stratigraphy

5.4 A broadly similar stratigraphic sequence was identified within each of the trenches

(Fig. 7). The natural geological substrate, which varied across the site from silty clay

to sandy silt, was revealed at an average depth of between 0.18m and 1.2m below

present ground level (bpgl). This was overlain by intermittent subsoil measuring

between c. 0.07m to 0.95m thick, which was in turn sealed by topsoil averaging

between 0.18m and 0.42m in thickness. All the identified archaeological features cut

the natural substrate, except where re-cutting of earlier features occurred, or where

modern features cut through the overlying subsoil.


17


Fig. 7 Representative section (1m scale)

Middle to Late Iron Age (400 BC to AD 43) Trench 96 (Figs 4, 6 & 8) 5.5 Located centrally within the trench, pit 9605, was partially revealed, emanating from

its western edge. It measured 0.5m in width and in excess of 1.5m in length, but was

not further investigated. A single sherd of Middle to Late Iron Age pottery was

recovered from the upper surface of its mid grey clay silt fill (9606). A bulk

environmental sample (Sample 3) taken from this fill contained a small quantity of

charcoal fragments.

5.6 Located toward the southern part of the trench was pit/ditch terminus 9603 (Fig. 8),

aligned north-west/south-east. This feature measured 1.02m wide by 0.65m deep

and had steep, convex sides and a rounded base. It was filled by a single deposit

(9604) of dark grey brown clay silt from which no finds were recovered. A small

number of grain fragments and charcoal fragments were recovered from an

environmental sample (Sample 2) taken from fill 9604.


18


Fig. 8 Pit/ditch terminus 9603, looking south-east (1m scale)

5.7 Pit 9607 was located centrally within Trench 96 and was recorded as measuring

0.88m in diameter and 0.16m deep. It was circular in plan, with moderately sloping

sides and a flat base. No finds were recovered from its mid brown grey clay silt fill

(9608). Cutting the fill 9608 of pit 9607 was circular posthole 9609. It measured

0.22m in diameter and 0.17m in depth, with steep sides and a flat base. No dateable

material was recovered from its mid grey brown clay silt fill.

5.8 The pits within Trench 96 are located within an area containing a slight

concentration of discrete geophysical anomalies. Although undated artefactually pits

9603, 9607 and posthole 6909 are tentatively grouped within the middle to late Iron

Age period due to their proximity and similarity to positively dated features.

Late Iron Age/Roman (100 BC to AD 43) Trench 30 (Figs 4, 5, 9 & 10) 5.9 Located toward the eastern end of Trench 30 was north/south orientated ditch 3003

(Figs 9 & 10; section AA). It measured 4.4m in width and in excess of 0.76m deep,

although the base was not reached. It had moderately sloping sides and contained a

succession of sandy clay and silty clay fills (3004, 3005 and 3006) from which four


19


sherds of pottery dating to the Late Iron Age/Roman period were recovered. One of

the identified potsherds may date to the Middle Iron Age, although due to its lack of

diagnostic features, it has not been possible to confidently assign it to this period. A

total 17 fragments of animal bones (264g) were recovered from deposit 3005. A

small assemblage of charcoal fragments was recovered from fill 3006 (Sample 1) of

ditch 3003, as well as mollusc shells of species which inhabit open country.

5.10 Ditch 3003 corresponded with a sinuous, broadly north/south orientated,

geophysical anomaly. The continuation of this feature was not identified within

Trenches 29 and 44, although the geophysical anomaly is seen to continue through

these trenches.

Fig. 9 Ditch 3003, looking north (1m Scale)

152.9m AOD

W E

Section AA

30003000

30043003

3003004

3003005

ditch 3003ditch 3002

CotswoldArchaeology

PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.



Andover 01264 347630


Exeter 01392 573970




Trench 30, section


66124711/02/20191:20

EEDJBSRJ


21


Trench 104 (Figs 4, 6 & 11) 5.11 Located centrally within Trench 104 was a series of parallel north-west/south-east

orientated ditches (10406, 10408 and ditch 10410), which contained pottery dating

to the Romano-British period.

5.12 Ditch 10406 measured 0.5m wide and 0.15m deep with moderately sloping sides

and a concave base. It was filled by light yellow grey silty sand 10407, which

contained Roman ceramic building material. To the immediate west of this feature,

ditch 10408 measured 0.7m in width and 0.2m in depth, with a similar profile to ditch

10406, comprising moderately steep sides and a rounded base (Fig. 11). Its single

fill (10409) comprised mid brown grey silty sand, from which three sherds of

Romano-British pottery were recovered, as well as three fragments of tile, worked

sandstone and two fragments of animal bone.

Fig. 11 Ditch 10408, looking north-west (0.4m scale)

5.13 Located to the west of ditch 10408 was ditch 10410. It measured 1.25m in width and

contained a mid-yellow brown silty clay fill (10411), from which one fragment of

Roman CBM was collected from the surface.


22


Trench 106 (Figs 4, 6 & 12) 5.14 North-west/south-east orientated ditch 10602 was located towards the north-eastern

end of Trench 106 (Fig.12; section BB). It measured 3.66m wide and in excess of

1.1m deep, although the base was not reached. It had moderately steeply sloping,

convex sides and was infilled by multiple deposits of clay silts and silty sands

(10603, 10604, 10605 and 10606), likely the result of natural accumulation. Deposit

10604 contained two fragments of animal bone; deposit 10605 contained a single

sherd of pottery broadly attributable to the Romano-British period, as well as four

fragments of animal bone. A bulk environmental sample (Sample 4) taken from fill

10606 contained a small quantity of charcoal fragments and a free-threshing wheat

grain as well as a moderate number of mollusc shells.

Trench 120 (Figs 4, 6 & 13)

5.15 Toward the south-western end of Trench 120 was north-west/south-east aligned

ditch 12003 (Fig 13; section CC). It measured 2m in width and 0.78m in depth, with

irregular sloping sides, a steep, convex north-eastern edge and a moderately

sloping, uneven south-western side. It contained multiple fills (12004 to 12007) of

clay and sand. A total of three sherds of pottery dating to the 2nd-4th centuries AD,

was recovered from the uppermost fill (12007). A bulk soil sample (Sample 9), taken

from this fill (12007) recovered a high number of charred plant remains and a

moderate quantity of charcoal fragments, as well as a moderate number of mollusc

shells.

5.16 Ditch 12003 corresponds with a north-west/south-east orientated anomaly depicted

on the geophysical survey.

5.17 Located at the north-eastern end of the trench were parallel north-west/south-east

orientated ditches 12012, 12008 and 12010. Ditch 12012 measured 1.43m wide by

0.63m deep and had steeply sloping, convex sides (Fig. 13; section DD). Its basal fill

(12013), comprised dark grey brown sandy silt. This was overlain by mid orange

brown sandy silt (12014), which was in turn sealed by mid grey brown clay sand

12015, which contained two sherds of pottery of broadly Roman date and a tile

fragment. A bulk soil sample (Sample 8) recovered from fill (12014) contained

charred seeds and charcoal fragments, as well as a large number of mollusc shells.

CotswoldArchaeology

Andover 01264 347630


Exeter 01392 573970




PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.



Trench 106, section


66124711/02/20191:20

EEDJBSRJ

121.2m AOD

NE SW

Section BB

1:20 m10

1060010600

1060610606

1060510605

1060310603

1060710607

1060410604


CotswoldArchaeology

Andover 01264 347630


Exeter 01392 573970




PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.



Trench 120, sections


66124711/02/20191:20

EEDJBSRJ

119.8m AOD

NE SW

Section CC

120.7m AOD

WSEN

Section DD

1:20 m10

1:20 m10

1200012000

1200712007

1200612006

1200412004

1200512005ditch 12003ditch 12003

1201312013

1200112001

1201512015

1201412014

1200012000



25


5.18 Located to the north-east of ditch 12012, ditch 12008 measured 0.47m wide by

0.42m deep, with steeply sloping sides, a concave base. It contained as single fill

(12009), comprising of mid grey brown sandy clay. Located c. 6m to the north-east

of ditch 12008 was ditch 12010. It measured 1.1m in width and 0.46m in depth, with

steeply sloping, convex sides and a rounded base. It contained a mid grey brown

sandy clay fill (12011). No finds were recovered from the respective fill of ditches

12008 and 12010. Although undated artefactually, ditches 12008 and 12010 are

attributed to the Early Roman period based on their morphological characteristics

and similarity of alignments to positively dated features.

5.19 Ditches 12012 and 12008 correspond with a linear anomaly depicted on the

geophysical survey.

Trench 121 (Figs 4, 6 & 14) 5.20 Located towards the north-western end of the trench were parallel north-east/south-

west orientated ditches 12103 and 12105 (Fig 14; section EE). Ditch 12103

measured 1.38m long by 1.04m deep, with moderately steeply sloping sides and an

uneven base. It contained two fills; the basal fill of mid yellow brown silty clay

(12104), contained one sherd of Nene valley Colour Coated ware and three sherds

of shell-tempered ware dating to the 2nd-4th centuries AD. An environmental

sample (Sample 5) recovered from this deposit recorded a moderate assemblage of

free-threshing wheat grain fragments and charcoal fragments as well as a moderate

number of mollusc shells. This fill was overlain by mid brown grey silty clay fill

12110.

5.21 Truncating the fill 12110 of ditch 12103 along the length of its north-western edge

was ditch 12105. Ditch 12105 measured 2.24m in width and 0.81m deep, with

moderately sloping sides and an uneven base. A single sherd of Roman pottery and

six fragments of ceramic building material (including five fragments of tile) were

recovered from its dark grey brown silty clay (12106).

153.3m AOD

SE NW

Section EE



ditch 12107ditch 121071210412104

1211012110

1210612106 1210812108

1210112101

1210012100

1210912109

CotswoldArchaeology

Andover 01264 347630


Exeter 01392 573970




PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.



Trench 121, section


66124711/02/20191:20

EEDJBSRJ

1:20 m10


27


Medieval ridge and furrow (Figs 4-6 & 15) 5.22 Regularly spaced furrows, the remains of an open field system, were recorded in

Trenches 6, 19, 22-24, 26-27, 32, 43, 50, 52-55, 59-61, 76, 105, 109 and 111, and

corresponding with the alignment of the furrows shown on the geophysical survey

plot (CgMs 2014). The furrows typically measured between 0.7m and 2.2m wide

and, where excavated, were up to 0.13m deep. Their wide spacing, at between c.

3.5m to 9m apart, and the slight curve in their alignments, as shown on the

geophysical survey, suggests that they are probably medieval in origin, although no

dateable material was recovered from their excavated fills. Nineteenth-century

ceramic land drains were noted across the site, and these often coincided with the

furrows, suggesting that they had been inserted into the bases of the ridge and

furrow earthworks whilst they were still extant.

5.23 Three alignments of furrows were identified, representing partial elements of at least

three open fields. East/west orientated furrow 602 was located within the western

part of the site (Fig. 15). It measured 2.2m wide by 0.13m deep, with gently sloping

sides and an irregular base. It was naturally infilled by mid grey brown sandy clay fill

603. Located toward the northern, central part of the site, was north-east/south-west

orientated furrow 5903. It was recorded as measuring 0.7m in width by 0.06m in

depth, with gently sloping sides and a concave base. It was filled by mid yellow

brown sandy silt fill 5904. North-west/south-east orientated furrow 11010 was

situated toward the western edge of the site. The furrow measured 1.39m wide and

0.2m deep and had gently sloping sides, an irregular base and was filled by dark

brown grey clay silt (11011).

Fig. 15 Furrow 602, looking east (2m scale)


28


Post-medieval to modern (1540 to present) Trench 65 (Figs 4, 5 & 16) 5.24 Located towards the south-western end of the trench was north-west/south-east

orientated ditch 6502 (Fig. 16). It measured 1.08m wide by 0.38m deep, with

moderately steeply sloping sides and a concave base. Its dark brown grey compact

silty clay fill (6503) contained modern CBM and concrete which was recorded but

not collected.

5.25 Ditch 6502 corresponds with a field boundary depicted on the First Edition Ordnance

Survey Map of 1885. It also corelates with a geophysical anomaly.

Fig. 16 Ditch 6502, looking north-west (1m scale)

Trench 71 (Figs 4, 5 & 17) 5.26 Located centrally with Trench 71 was north-east/south-west ditch 7102 (Fig. 17). It

measured 0.9m wide and 0.37m deep and had steeply sloping sides and a rounded

base. It was filled by mid brown grey silty clay fill (7103). The continuation of this

ditch was observed in Trench 83 as ditch 8302.


29


5.27 Ditch 7102 corresponds with an anomaly depicted on the geophysical survey.

Fig. 17 Ditch 7102, looking south-west (1m scale)

Trench 81 (Figs 4, 5 & 18) 5.28 North-west/south-east orientated ditch 8102 was recorded within the central part of

Trench 81 (Fig. 18). It measured 2.04m wide and 0.72m deep, with steeply sloping

sides. Its single fill (8103) comprised mixed deposits of silty clay and clay sand, most

likely the result of deliberate backfilling. It contained a fragment of glass, dating to

the post-medieval period, as well as a sherd of Roman pottery, which is considered

residual within this context. The continuation of this ditch was observed with Trench

82, as ditch 8202.

5.29 Ditch 8102 correlates with a geophysical anomaly and corresponds with a field

boundary depicted on the First Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1885.


30


Fig. 18 Ditch 8102, looking south-east (1m scale)

Trench 82 (Figs 4 & 5) 5.30 North-west/south-east orientated ditch 8202 was recorded centrally within the

trench. It measured 1.53m in width and contained a similar mixed deposit of silty

clay and clay sand (8203) to that observed within ditch 8102. It was not further

investigated, but modern material was observed on the upper surface of fill 8203.

The continuation of this ditch was observed with Trench 81, as ditch 8102.

5.31 Ditch 8202 correlates with an anomaly depicted on the geophysical survey and

corresponds with a field boundary depicted on the First Edition Ordnance Survey

Map of 1885.

Trench 83 (Figs 4 & 5) 5.32 North-east/south-west orientated ditch 8302 was identified towards the south-

eastern end of the trench. The continuation of this ditch was observed in Trench 71

as ditch 7102. It had similar characteristics to this ditch, being 0.85m wide, with a

comparable mid brown grey silty clay fill (8303). This feature remined unexcavated

however, modern artefactual material was recorded from the surface of its

uppermost fill (8303).


31


5.33 Ditch 8303 corresponds with a boundary depicted on the First Edition Ordnance

Survey Map of 1885 and correlates with an anomaly depicted on the geophysical

survey.

Trench 91 (Figs 4, 6 & 19) 5.34 North-east/south-west orientated ditch 9105 was identified within the western part of

the trench (Fig. 19). It measured 1.64m wide and 0.65m deep, with steep, convex

sides and a flat base. It contained a primary fill of mid blue grey silt clay (9106),

sealed by mid orange grey clay silt (9107), which in turn was overlain by mid orange

grey clay silt (9108). No dateable evidence was recovered from its respective fills.

5.35 Ditch 9105 coincides with a field boundary first depicted on the Ordnance Survey

Map of 1955 and last shown on the 1965 Ordnance Survey Map. By the time of the

1969 Ordnance survey, the alignment of the field boundary has been altered. Ditch

9105 forms the continuation of an extant north-east/south-west orientated field

boundary located approximately 50m to the south-west and correlates with an

anomaly depicted on the geophysical survey.

Fig. 19 Ditch 9105, looking (1m scale)


32


Trench 104 (Figs 4, 6 & 20) 5.36 Intercutting north-west/south-east orientated ditches 10402 and 10404 were located

within the centre of Trench 104 (Fig. 20). Ditch 10402 measured 0.3m in width and

0.22m in depth, with steeply sloping sides and a concave base. Its fill (10403), which

comprised light grey brown sandy silt, from which no finds were recovered, was

truncated along its north-eastern edge by parallel ditch 10404. Ditch 10404

measured 0.88m wide by 0.32m deep, with uneven sides and an uneven base. A

total of two fragments of post-medieval CBM was recovered from the single mid

brown grey sandy silt fill (10405).

5.37 The continuation of ditches 10402 and 10404 is recorded in Trench 117 as ditch

11702. Ditches 10402 and 10404 correspond with a field boundary depicted on the

1885 First edition Ordnance Survey Map and are coincidental with an anomaly

depicted on the geophysical survey.

Fig 20 Ditch 104, looking east (1m scale)


33


Trench 107 (Figs 4, 6 & 21) 5.38 North-east/south-west orientated ditch 10703 was observed centrally within the

trench, cutting the subsoil. Measuring 1.32m wide by 0.56m deep, it had steep sides

and a concave base (Fig. 21).

5.39 Ditch 10703 corresponds with a boundary depicted on the First Edition Ordnance

Survey Map of 1885 and correlates with an anomaly depicted on the geophysical

survey.

Fig. 21 Ditch 10703, looking west (1m scale)

Trench 114 (Figs 4, 6 & 22) 5.40 North-west/south-east orientated ditch 11404 was situated towards the centre of the

trench (Fig. 22). It measured 1.13m in width by 0.25m in depth and had moderately

sloping sides and a concave base. Along its south-eastern edge were a series of

large sandstone slabs (11404), which appeared to have been deliberately placed in

order to line the side of the ditch. This lining was sealed by mid brown grey silty clay

(11405) from which no dating evidence was recovered.


34


Fig. 22 Ditch 11404, looking north (1m scale)

5.41 North-west/south-east orientated ditch 11402 was located at the north-eastern end

of Trench 114. It measured 0.51m wide and 0.22m deep and had steep sides and a

rounded base. No finds were recovered from its light blue grey silty clay fill (11403).

5.42 Ditch 11404 broadly corresponds with a boundary depicted on the First Edition

Ordnance Survey Map of 1885 and correlates with an anomaly depicted on the

geophysical survey. Ditch 11402 runs parallel to ditch 11404 and fits within the

alignment of the current field system. As such, it is attributed to the post-

medieval/modern period based on its alignment and similar characteristics to ditch

11404. The likely continuation of ditch 11402 is recorded within Trench 118 as ditch

11802.

Trench 117 (Figs 4 & 6) 5.43 Located at the western end of Trench 117, was north-west/south-east orientated

ditch 11702. It measured 2.87m in width and was excavated to a depth of 0.4m

without the base being reached. It had moderately sloping sides and a single fill

(11703) of mottled mid brown grey clay silt, from which two fragments of post-

medieval/modern CBM were recovered, as well as one sherd of Late Iron

Age/Roman pottery, which are considered to be residual within this context.


35


5.44 The continuation of ditch 11702 is recorded in Trench 104 as ditches 10402 and

10404. Ditch 01702 corresponds with a field boundary depicted on the 1885 First

edition Ordnance Survey Map and is coincidental with an anomaly depicted on the

geophysical survey.

Trench 118 (Figs 4, 6 & 23) 5.45 A single north-west/south-east aligned ditch (11802) was observed at the centre of

the trench, measuring 0.6m in width and 0.41m in depth (Fig. 23). It had steep sides

and a rounded base. No dating evidence was recovered from its naturally deposited

light blue grey clay silt fill (11803). A bulk soil sample recovered from this deposit

recorded a small quantity of charcoal fragments as well as moderate number of

mollusc shells.

5.46 Ditch 11802 runs parallel to ditches 11702 and 11404 and fits within the alignment of

the current field system. As such, it is attributed to the post-medieval/modern period

based on its alignment and similar characteristics to these ditches. The likely

continuation of ditch 11802 is recorded within Trench 114 as ditch 11402.

Fig. 23 ditch 11802, looking north (1m scale)


36


Trench 121 (Figs 4, 6, 14 & 24) 5.47 Located towards the north-western end of Trench 121, north-east/south-west

orientated pit/ditch terminus 12107 was observed cutting the fill 12106 of ditch

Romano-British ditch 12105 (Figs 24 and 14; section EE). It measured 1.19m in

width and 0.74m in depth, with steeply sloping sides and a concave base. Post-

medieval pottery was recorded within its single mid brown silty clay fill (12108).

Fig. 24 Pit/ditch terminus 12107, looking west (1m scale)

Undated Trench 3 (Figs 4, 6, & 25) 5.48 Quarry pit 301 was located throughout the trench. It measured in excess of 20m

long, in excess of 1.8m wide and was excavated to a depth of 0.98m deep without

the base being reached (Fig. 25). No finds were recovered from its mixed mid brown

grey clay and mid brown orange clay fill (302). Although no dating was recovered


37


from this feature, according to the previous landowner (pers. com.) it is believed to

have been excavated during construction works related to the building of the nearby

M42 motorway.

Fig. 25 Pit 301, looking north (1m scale)

Trenches 57 & 58 (Figs 4, 5, 26 & 27) 5.49 Quarry pit 5703 was located centrally within Trench 57 and measured over 10m

wide by at least 1.3m deep, although its full depth could not be observed due to the

limitations of excavation within the trench (Fig. 26). It was filled by a number of

deliberately deposited silty sands and clays (5704 to 5709) from which no finds were

recovered. Similar evidence of quarrying was observed at the centre of Trench 58,

which potentially related to the feature observed in Trench 57. Pit 5803 measured

13.56m in width and 1.12m in depth, and was infilled by two deposits, dark grey

brown silty clay 5805 sealed by mid red brown sandy silt 5804 (Fig. 27; section FF).

No finds were recovered from the respective fills of quarry pits 5703 and 5803.


38


Fig. 26 Pit 5703, looking south (1m scale)

58025802

58025802

58055805

quarry pit 5803quarry pit 5803

58005800

58045804

58005800

58045804

58025802

153.3m AOD

W

E

Section FF

CotswoldArchaeology

Andover 01264 347630


Exeter 01392 573970




PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.



Trench 58, section


66124711/02/20191:20

EEDJBSRJ

1:20 m10


40


Trenches 90 and 91 (Figs 4 & 6) 5.50 Further evidence of quarrying activity was observed within Trenches 90 and 91. Pit

9002 was located at the centre of Trench 90, with pit 9104 situated at the eastern

end of Trench 91. It is considered likely that these two features form parts of one

large quarry pit. Pit 9002 measured 17m in width, and remained unexcavated, whilst

quarry pit 9104 measured over 21m wide and in excess of 2.1m deep. Both pits

were filled by mixed deposits of mid grey blue compact clay and mid grey yellow

compact silty clay from which no finds were recovered. An environmental sample

(Sample 6) recovered from the fill 9103 of pit 9104 did not reveal any charred plant

remains although some uncharred seeds of buttercup were.

Trenches 94 & 95 (Figs 4, 6 & 28 to 30) 5.51 Located towards the southern end of Trench 94 was north-east/south-west

orientated ditch 9403 (Fig. 28). It measured 1.5m in width and 0.4m in depth, with

moderately sloping, concave sides and a rounded base. It contained a single fill of

mid blue grey clay (9404) from which no finds were recovered. Ditch 9505 was

recorded at the western end of Trench 95 and potentially represented the same

feature as ditch 9403 (Fig. 29; section GG). It was aligned north-east/south-west and

measured 1.16m wide by 0.75m deep, with steeply sloping, convex sides and a flat

base. The ditch was filled initially by mid yellow grey clay silt 9507, overlain by light

blue grey silt clay 9508, which in turn was sealed by mid grey brown sandy clay.

Fig. 28 Ditch 9403, looking west (1m scale)

CotswoldArchaeology

PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.



Andover 01264 347630


Exeter 01392 573970





95069506

95089508

95079507

124.0m AOD

WNES

Section GG

Trench 95, section


66124711/02/20191:20

EEDJBSRJ

1:20 m10


42


5.52 A similarly north-east/south-west aligned ditch (9503) was located in the eastern part

of Trench 95 (Fig. 30). This feature measured 1.82m in width and 0.62m in depth

and was recorded as having moderately steeply sloping, uneven sides and a flat

base. It also contained multiple fills, comprising mid grey brown silt sand and gravels

(9509), sealed by mid blue grey silty clay (9510), from which a small quantity of

charcoal fragments along with a few mollusc shells were recovered (Sample 10) and

finally naturally infilled by mid grey brown clay silt (9504). No finds were recovered

from this feature, though its alignment, running parallel to ditch 9505, and possibly

also ditch 9403, suggests that this feature may represent the existence of a

trackway.

Fig. 30 Ditch 9503, looking north-east (1m scale)

Trench 97 (Figs 4 & 6) 5.53 North-west/south-east orientated ditch 9703 was located at the eastern end of

Trench 97. It measured 1.2m wide by 0.3m deep and had moderately sloping,

straight sides and an uneven, slightly convex, base. The ditch contained a single fill

(9704) of mid grey brown sandy silt, from which no datable evidence was recorded.


43


Trench 99 (Figs 4, 6, 31, 32 & 33) 5.54 A group of pits (9902 and 9908) and a series of parallel north-west/south-east

orientated ditches (9904, 9906 and 9910) were identified in in the central part of

Trench 99. Sub-oval pit 9902 was partially revealed emanating from the southern

baulk of the trench (Fig. 31; section HH). It measured in excess of 0.4m long, 0.78m

wide and 0.5m deep, with steep sides and a rounded base. No finds were recovered

from its single mid brown grey silty clay fill (9903) which was truncated across its

eastern edge by ditch 9904.

5.55 Ditch 9904 measured 0.48m in width and 0.28m in depth (Fig. 32). It had steep,

concave sides and a rounded base and was filled by light brown grey silty clay

(9905). Situated c. 5m to the east of this feature was ditch 9906, which measured

0.59m wide by 0.19m deep and had moderately sloping sides and a concave base.

The fill (9907) of ditch 9906 comprised light brown grey silty clay. Ditch 9910 was

located a further c.7m to the east of ditch 9906 and measured 0.32m in width. No

artefactual evidence was recovered from the respective fills of ditches 9904, 9906

and 9910, which may form the flanking ditches of a trackway, leading to the putative

settlement identified to the north.

5.56 The continuation of these ditches was observed within Trenches 101 and 110,

however, they were not observed beyond these trenches. No features of

archaeological origin were predicted by the geophysical survey in the area of this

trench.

CotswoldArchaeology

PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.



Andover 01264 347630


Exeter 01392 573970




118.5m AOD

WE

Section HH

Trench 99, section


66124711/02/20191:20

EEDJBSRJ

1:20 m10

99039903

99059905

99009900




45


Fig. 32 Ditch 9904, looking north-east (0.3mscale)

5.57 A further individual pit (9908; Fig. 33) was identified situated between ditches 9906

and 9910. It measured 0.89m wide and 0.4m deep, with moderately sloping,

concave sides and a rounded base. No finds were recovered from its grey brown

silty clay fill (9909). The function of these pits remains uncertain, though there is

potential for pit 9908 to represent a ditch terminus.

Fig. 33 pit 9908, looking north-east (0.5m scale)


46


Trench 101 (Figs 4 & 6) 5.58 North-east/south-west ditch 10102 was located in the south-eastern part of the

trench. It measured 0.57m in width and 0.16m in depth, with steeply sloping sides

and a flat base. It contained a mid-blue grey sandy clay fill (10103), from which no

finds were recovered. Ditches 10104 and 10106 measured 0.47m and 0.4m wide

respectively and both contained similar mid blue grey fills (10105 and 10107), but

were not further investigated.


however, they were not observed beyond these trenches. Their presence was not

predicted by the geophysical survey.

Trench 106 (Figs 4, 6 & 34) 5.60 Circular pit 10608 measured 0.8m in width and 0.15m in depth, with uneven sides

and a flat base (Fig. 34). No finds were recovered from its mid brown grey silty sand

fill (10609). Although this feature was recorded as a pit, there remains the possibility

that it actually represents rooting.

Fig. 34 Pit 10608, looking south-west (0.4m scale)


47


Trench 110 (Figs 4, 6 & 35) 5.61 Ditch 11002 appeared to represent the continuation of ditch 9904/10106 (Fig. 35);

Ditch 11004 similarly represents the continuation of ditch 9906/10104 and ditch

11006 matched the alignment of ditch 9908/10102. These features had broadly

similar measurements, with ditch 11002 being 0.43m wide and 0.14m deep; ditch

11004 measuring 0.41m in width and 0.14m in depth. Ditch 11006 measured 0.5m

wide by 0.13m deep. These features also had very similar profiles, with moderate,

concave sides and rounded bases. They were also each infilled by naturally

deposited light blue grey silty clay, which is potentially suggestive of their disuse

occurring during a broadly similar period, although no dating evidence was

recovered to support this assumption.


however, they were not observed beyond these trenches. With the exception of ditch

11006, these features did not correspond with anomalies identified through the

geophysical survey.

Fig. 35 ditch 11002, looking north-west (0.3m scale)


48


Trench 115 (Figs 4, 6 & 36) 5.63 A group of pits were observed within the southern and central part of Trench 115.

Intercutting pits 11506 and 11510 were identified at the south-eastern end of the

trench. Sub-oval pit 11506 was partially revealed emanating from the southwestern

side of the trench. It measured in excess of 0.8m in length, 0.2m wide and 0.1m

deep with a flat base and a moderately sloping northern side. No finds were

recovered from its dark blue grey sandy silt fill (11507), which was cut along its

north-eastern edge by circular pit 11510.

5.64 Pit 11510 measured 1.4m long, in excess of 1m wide and 0.18m deep with

moderately sloping sides and a flat base. No finds were recovered from its mid

yellow brown clay silt fill (11511).

5.65 Located towards the south-western end of the trench were intercutting pits 11504

and 11502 (Fig. 36). Pit 11504 was partially revealed emanating from the south-

western side of the trench. It was, as far as revealed, oval-shaped in plan and

measured at least 0.8m in length, 0.45m in width and 0.23m in depth. It had

moderate sides and a flat base and was infilled by dark blue grey silty sand (11505),

which was partially truncated along its north-eastern edge by pit 11502. Pit 11502

measured 1.35m long by 0.62m wide and 0.24m deep, with uneven sides and a flat

base. No dateable evidence was recovered from their respective fills (11505 and

11503) of these features, and the function of the pits remains uncertain.

Fig. 36 Pits 11502 and 11504, looking east (1m scale)


49


5.66 Oval-shaped pit (11508) was located centrally within the trench. It was 0.84m in

length, 0.6m in width and 0.3m in depth, with moderately sloping sides and a

concave base. It was filled by dark grey brown sandy silt (11509), from which no

finds were recovered.

Trench 117 (Figs 4, 6, 37 & 38) 5.67 Oval-shaped pit 11706 was identified toward the western end of the trench (Fig. 37).

It measured 0.78m long by 0.7m wide and 0.35m deep. It had steeply sloping sides

and a flat base. No finds were recovered from the respective fills of this feature,

which comprised a basal fill of mid brown grey clay (11708), sealed by light brown

grey clay silt (11707).

Fig. 37 Pit 11706, looking north-west (0.4m scale)

5.68 Located approximately 2m to the west of pit 11706, was north-west/south-east

orientated ditch 11710 (Fig. 38). It measured 0.52m wide and 0.29m deep, with

steeply sloping sides and a flat base. Three fragments of animal bone were

recovered from its mid grey brown clay silt fill (11711).


50


Fig. 38 ditch 11710, looking north-west (1m scale)


51


6. THE FINDS

6.1 Artefactual material is recorded from 12 deposits, the fills of ditches, pits and from

the subsoil (Appendix B). The material was recovered by hand and from samples.

Pottery 6.2 The pottery recovered from the evaluation is recorded in Appendix B and discussed

below. Recording of the finds assemblage was direct to an Excel spreadsheet; this

now forms the basis of Appendix B (Table 1). The pottery was examined by context,

using a x40 hand lens and quantified according to sherd count and weight per fabric

type. The fabrics are described in Appendix B (Table 2) in accordance with the

Historic England guidelines (Barclay 2016) and where appropriate the National

Roman Fabric Reference Collection (Tomber and Dore 1998) or the Prehistoric

Ceramics Research Group Guidelines (PCRG 2010).

6.3 The assemblage comprises 20 sherds (298g) of pottery recorded from nine

deposits. The condition of the assemblage is moderate; however the majority of

fractures and surfaces are abraded. The mean sherd weight is average for a largely

Roman assemblage (18.38g).

Prehistoric 6.4 Three sherds (33g) of handmade pottery can be dated to the late prehistoric period.

These are made in sandy fabrics with either micaceous (QM) or organic inclusions

(QV), or in a shell-tempered fabric (SH). One sherd (QV) is recorded from pit fill

9606; the remaining two sherds are recorded from ditch fill 3005. On the basis of the

fabrics these sherds most likely date to the Middle or Late Iron Age. Due to their

lack of diagnostic features it has not been possible to refine the dating of this

material.

Late Iron Age and Roman 6.5 A total of 13 sherds (261g) of pottery can be dated to the Late Iron Age or Roman

period. One sherd (23g) of pottery made in sandy grog-tempered fabric UNS QG

most likely dates to the Late Iron Age or early Roman period. The most commonly

recorded fabric (6 sherds, 94g) is of sandy reduced wares (UNS RE); although it has

not been possible to source the origin of these fragments, they are most likely of

local production. Five sherds (108g) of shell-tempered pottery (UNS SH), again most

likely of local production, are recorded from ditch fills 10409, 12104 and 3005. Two


52


sherds (14g) of unsourced white ware (UNS WW) is recorded from ditch fills 8103

and 12015. One sherd (12g) of imitation black burnished ware (IMT BB) is recorded

from gully fill 11703.

6.6 There are very few regional or imported wares recorded. Three sherds (3g) of Lower

Nene Valley Colour Coated ware (LNV CC) are recorded from ditch fills 12007 and

12104. These can be dated to the 2nd to 4th centuries AD. A very small sherd (1g)

of unsourced Samian (SA) is also recorded from deposit 12007.

Summary 6.7 The entire ceramic assemblage comprises undecorated body sherds and more

refined dating and analysis has not been possible.

Ceramic Building Material 6.8 A total of 18 fragments (1615g) of ceramic building material are recorded from seven

deposits. Based on their fabric and thickness the majority of fragments can be dated

to the Roman period (15 fragments, 1383g). The Roman material is made in fine

sandy fabrics (fs), some with clay pellet inclusions (fscp), or coarse shelly (csh)

fabrics. Roman tile fragments are recorded from ditch fills 10405, 10409, 12015,

12101 and 12106. Two possible imbrex fragments are recorded from ditch fills

10411 and 10409. Three fragments (232g) can be dated to the post-medieval

period. One fragment of drainage pipe, made in a fine sandy fabric containing iron

ore (fsfe), is recorded from ditch fill 10405, and two fragments of post-medieval tiles,

made in a fine sandy fabric with limestone inclusions (fsl) and a medium sandy

vesicular fabric are recorded from ditch fill 11703.

Glass 6.9 One fragment (14g) of transparent post-medieval glass is recorded from ditch fill

8103. It is possibly the base of a bowl or dish. The fragment has no other

distinguishing features.

Stone 6.10 One fragment (40g) of possibly worked sandstone is recorded from ditch fill 10409.

The fragment is approximately 12mm thick and could be associate with roofing

material. An insignificant quantity of moderately or partly burnt stones was retrieved

from the residues of samples 2 and 3; this material consisted of small fragments in

poor condition and was discarded.


53


7. THE BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

Animal Bone

7.1 Animal bone amounting to 28 fragments (770g) was recovered from deposits 3005,

10409, 10604, 10605 and 11711, the fills of ditches 3004, 10408, 10602 and 11710.

Artefactual material dating from the Late Iron Age/Early Roman to the Romano-

British periods was also recovered from these features (See Table 3, Appendix C).

The material was highly fragmented but well preserved enough to confirm the

presence of cattle (Bos taurus), and sheep/goat (Ovis aries/Capra hircus) and horse

(Equus callabus), each of which are to be expected in assemblages of these periods

(Baker and Worley, 2014).

Late Iron Age/ Early Roman

7.2 A total 17 bones (264g) were recovered from deposit 3005. Cattle and sheep/goat

were both identified from fragmented molar teeth or partial long bone shafts. No cut

or chop marks that would suggest an origin in butchery waste were observed. Horse

was identified from a single metacarpal bone. The recovery of identifiable bone was

too low to provide any meaningful pattern of activity, limiting the drawing of any

interpretative inference from species identification.

Romano-British

7.3 Six fragments (111g) were recovered from deposits 10409 and 10605. Cattle was the

only species present, identified from a single molar, a femur shaft and a partial

scapula. As with the preceding phase, the recovery of identifiable bone was low, and

the bones present displayed no butchery related marks.

Undated

7.4 Five fragments (395g) were recovered from deposits 10604 and 11711 in a condition

that bore a similarity to that seen in the Romano-British assemblage. Cattle was the

only species present. Once again, no butchery marks were present, and the recovery

was too low in infer any information beyond species identification.

Plant Macrofossils

7.5 A series of 10 environmental samples (100 litres of soil) were processed from a

range of features from eight trenches to evaluate the preservation of

palaeoenvironmental remains across the area and with the intention of recovering


54


environmental evidence of industrial or domestic activity on the site. One sample

was taken from a later prehistoric pit, four samples from Late Iron Age/Roman

ditches, and five samples from undated pits and ditches. It was also hoped that the

environmental remains might provide some indication of the likely date of these

undated features. The samples were processed by standard flotation procedures

(CA Technical Manual No. 2).

7.6 In addition, a hand-picked piece of bark was collected from fill 10403 of undated

ditch 10402 in Trench 104. This was unidentifiable to species.

7.7 Preliminary identifications of plant macrofossils are noted in Table 1 in Appendix C,

following nomenclature of Stace (1997) for wild plants, and traditional nomenclature,

as provided by Zohary et al (2012) for cereals. The presence of mollusc shells has

also been recorded. Nomenclature is according to Anderson (2005) and habitat

preferences according to Kerney (1999) and Davies (2008).

7.8 The flots varied in size with low to high numbers of rooty material and modern

seeds. The charred material comprised varying levels of preservation.

Late Prehistoric Trench 96 7.9 The assemblage recovered from fill 9606 (Sample 3) of pit 9605 contained a basal

culm node fragment and a small quantity of charcoal fragments greater than 2mm.

This assemblage may be reflective of dispersed material and provides no indication

of the likely date of the pit.

Late Iron Age/Roman Trench 30 7.10 A small assemblage of charcoal fragments but no charred plant remains was

recorded from fill 3006 (Sample 1) of ditch 3003. There is no clear indication from

the charred material, whether this assemblage is associated with domestic

settlement or industrial activities and the assemblage may be representative of

dispersed material. A few mollusc shells were observed, and these included those of

the open country species Vallonia costata and the aquatic species Anisus

leucostoma. Anisus leucostoma is a species which thrives in areas of seasonal

flooding and desiccation.


55


Trench 120 7.11 Fill 12014 (Sample 8) from ditch 12012 contained a few charred remains including

seeds oats/brome grass (Avena/Bromus sp.) and charcoal fragments. This

assemblage may be reflective of dispersed material and does not assist with dating

the feature.

7.12 A large number of mollusc shells were recovered from this ditch and these included

those of the open country species Helicella itala, Pupilla muscorum, Vertigo sp.,

Vallonia costata and Vallonia excentrica, the intermediate species Trochulus

hispidus, Cepaea sp. and Cochlicopa sp., the shade-loving species Carychium sp.,

Discus rotundatus, Aegopinella nitidula and sinestral Vertigo, and the aquatic

species Galba truncatula. This assemblage may be indicative of a well-established

open landscape with some longer, occasionally damp, grass in the vicinity of the

ditch.

7.13 A high number of charred plant remains and a moderate quantity of charcoal

fragments were recorded from fill 12007 (Sample 9) of ditch 12003. The cereal

remains were dominated by hulled wheat (emmer or spelt (Triticum

dicoccum/spelta)) grains, glume bases and spikelet fork fragments, with smaller

amounts of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and possible free-threshing wheat (Triticum

turgidum/aestivum type) grain fragments. A number of the grains and chaff elements

were identifiable as being those of spelt wheat (Triticum spelta) and a few chaff

elements as being those of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum). The other remains

included seeds of oats/brome grass and hazelnut (Corylus avellana) shell

fragments. This assemblage may be representative of dumped domestic settlement

waste and indicative of crop processing taking place nearby. It is compatible with the

Late Iron/Roman date for the feature.

7.14 The moderate number of mollusc shells recovered from ditch 12003 included those

of the open country species Helicella itala, Pupilla muscorum, Vertigo sp., Vallonia

costata and Vallonia excentrica, the intermediate species Trochulus hispidus,

Cepaea sp. and Cochlicopa sp., the shade-loving species Discus rotundatus and

Aegopinella nitidula, the marsh species Succinea/Oxyloma sp., and the aquatic

species Galba truncatula. Again, this assemblage may be indicative of a well-

established open landscape with some longer, occasionally damp, grass in the

vicinity of the ditch.


56


Trench 121 7.15 The moderately small assemblage recorded from fill 12104 (Sample 5) of ditch

12103 included free-threshing wheat grain fragments and charcoal fragments. Free-

threshing wheat became the predominant wheat species in this area from the Saxon

period onwards (Greig 1991) so may be intrusive within this assemblage.

7.16 A moderate number of mollusc shells were noted from this ditch and these included

those of the open country species Vallonia costata, Vallonia excentrica, Vertigo sp.

and Helicella itala, the intermediate species Trochulus hispidus, and Cochlicopa sp.

and the shade-loving species Aegopinella nitidula and Clausilia bidentata. This

assemblage may be indicative of an open landscape with longer grass in and

around the ditch.

Undated Trench 91

7.17 No charred remains were recovered from quarry pit 9104 (Sample 6) although some

uncharred seeds of buttercup (Ranunculus sp.) were noted. The sample does not

assist with the interpretation or determination of the likely date of this feature.

Trench 95 7.18 The assemblage recovered from fill 9510 (Sample 10) of ditch 9503 contained a

small quantity of charcoal fragments greater than 2mm and no charred plant

remains. This assemblage may be reflective of dispersed material and provides no

indication of the likely date of the ditch. A few mollusc shells, including those of the

shade-loving species Aegopinella nitidula and Carychium sp., were noted.

Trench 96 7.19 A small number of indeterminate grain fragments and charcoal fragments were

recovered from fill 9603 (Sample 2) of pit 9602. This assemblage may be

representative of dispersed settlement waste material and provides no indication of

the likely date of the pit.

Trench 106 7.20 The assemblage recovered from fill 10606 (Sample 4) of ditch 10602 contained a

small quantity of charcoal fragments and a free-threshing wheat grain. This

assemblage may be reflective of dispersed material and provides no clear indication


57


of the likely date of the ditch. The free-threshing wheat grain may be intrusive within

this feature.

7.21 A moderate number of mollusc shells were noted from this ditch and these included

those of the open country species Vallonia costata, Vallonia excentrica, Pupilla

muscorum, Vertigo sp. and Helicella itala, the intermediate species Trochulus

hispidus, Cepaea sp. and Cochlicopa sp., the shade-loving species Aegopinella

nitidula, Discus rotundatus, Acanthinula aculeata, Vitrea sp., sinestral Vertigo,

Carychium sp. and Clausilia bidentata, the marsh species Succinea/Oxyloma sp.,

and the aquatic species Anisus leucostoma and Galba truncatula. Anisus

leucostoma is a species typical of areas of occasional flooding while Acanthinula

aculeata favours deciduous woodland environments. This assemblage may be

indicative of an open landscape with possibly some woodland edge/hedgerow

environments in the vicinity. It also appears likely that there was some occasional

flooding.

Trench 118 7.22 The assemblage recorded from fill 11803 (Sample 7) of ditch 11802 contained a

small quantity of charcoal fragments greater than 2mm and no charred plant

remains. This assemblage may be reflective of dispersed material and provides no

indication of the likely date of the ditch.

7.23 A moderate number of mollusc shells were recovered from this ditch and these

included those of the open country species Vallonia costata, Vallonia excentrica,

Vertigo sp. and Helicella itala, the intermediate species Trochulus hispidus, Punctum

pygmaeum, Euconulus fulvus, Cepaea sp. and Cochlicopa sp., the shade-loving

species Aegopinella nitidula, Aegopinella pura, Oxychilus cellarius, Vitrea sp.,

Discus rotundatus, Acanthinula aculeata, sinestral Vertigo, Carychium sp., Azeca

goodalli, Cochlodina laminata and Clausilia bidentata, and the aquatic species

Anisus leucostoma and Galba truncatula. The rarity Azeca goodalli favours

deciduous woodland, hedge banks and undisturbed scrubby environments. This

assemblage may be indicative of an open landscape with possibly some woodland

edge/hedgerow environments in the vicinity. It also appears likely that there was

some occasional flooding.


58


8. DISCUSSION

8.1 The evaluation identified a concentration of archaeological remains within the

eastern part of the site, with a low density of archaeological remains within the

remainder of the site. Although a number of these features remain undated, the

majority can be attributed to one of four broad periods; Middle to Late Iron Age, Late

Iron Age to Roman, medieval and post-medieval/modern.

8.2 The results of the evaluation correlated well with the preceding geophysical survey,

which suggested that settlement activity was concentrated within the north-eastern

part of the site, comprising a concentration of enclosures, trackways and pits, with

further peripheral settlement activity, agricultural ditches and furrows, located across

the remainder of the site (CgMs 2014). Previous targeted evaluation of the site

confirmed the presence of an intensive zone of Late Iron Age to Early Roman

settlement activity comprising a series of enclosures, trackways and elements of

field systems within the north-eastern part of the site (CgMs 2014).

8.3 The artefactual evidence suggests that archaeologically visible activity occurred

within the eastern area of the site from the Middle Iron Age, with permanent

settlement likely beginning during the Late Iron Age/Roman period. Features

associated with medieval, post-medieval and modern land use were also recorded

across the site.

8.4 A number of archaeological features were identified across the site, which remain

undated. Ditches and pits, mostly located toward the eastern part of the site, were

observed within Trenches 94, 95, 99, 101, 106, 110, 115 and 117. Evidence of

quarrying activity was recorded in the western and central parts of the site, identified

within Trenches 3, 57, 58, 90 and 91.

Middle to Late Iron Age (400 BC to 100 BC) 8.5 The evaluation identified slight evidence for Middle to Late Iron Age activity,

concentrated within the eastern part of site within Trench 96. Pit 9605 was dated to

the Middle to Late Iron Age based on a single fragment of pottery recovered from

the surface of the feature. Pits 9603 and 9607 are tentatively ascribed to the same

period based on their proximity to pit 9605.


59


8.6 The palaeoenvironmental evidence is not conclusive but may suggest dispersed

domestic settlement within the period.

8.7 There is widespread evidence for Iron Age settlement within the wider region but at

present there is only sparse evidence for Middle Iron Age activity within a 1km

radius of the site This comprises a possible cremation burial and pit recorded at

Monksmoor Farm, with their respective dates ranging from the Middle Bronze Age to

Middle Iron Age and the Early to Middle Iron Age (Hancock 2006).

Late Iron Age to Roman (100 BC to AD 43) 8.8 The trial trench evaluation confirmed the presence of archaeological remains within

the eastern part of the site, dating from the Late Iron Age to Roman periods,

identified by the geophysical survey carried out by Stratascan in November 2013

(CgMs 2014). These remains form part of the periphery of the settlement

investigated within the site in December 2013 (CgMs 2014).

8.9 Within the site the plan of the settlement is relatively incoherent, although it appears

that the identified features form part of a Late Iron Age to Roman period settlement

extending beyond the north-eastern boundary of the site.

8.10 The settlement is concentrated in an area within the north-eastern part of the site,

situated on a south-east facing slope, lying at between 125m aOD and 135m aOD.

The evidence from the evaluation and the geophysical survey suggests that this

discrete area formed the focus of settlement activity with other areas of the site

possibly utilised for agriculture as evidenced by the possible field system ditches.

The evidence from the present evaluation comprised 11 ditches, representative of

peripheral settlement activity and field boundaries, located within Trenches 104,

106, 117, 120 and 121. A further ditch, possibly representing an element of an

outlying field systems, was identified within the western part of the site in Trench

30.

8.11 Ditches within Trenches 30, 104, 106, 120 and 121 indicate that Roman activity

continued beyond the confines of the enclosures within the north-eastern part of the

site. However, with the exception of a single ditch within Trench 30, no prehistoric or

Roman activity was identified outside of the easternmost field of the evaluation,

indicating that the focus of Roman settlement was limited to a relatively small area.


60


8.12 The artefactual evidence suggests that permanent settlement within the eastern

area of the site occurred during the Late Iron Age to Roman period. The evaluation

evidence is suggestive of small-scale occupation associated with agricultural activity

within this part of the site and it is considered likely that this was focused on the

enclosures identified by the geophysical survey. The Late Iron Age to Early Roman

pottery assemblage is domestic in nature. Regional and imported fabrics make up

only a small part of the assemblage, with the large majority of the assemblage being

sandy reduced wares, likely to be local in origin. An imported Samian sherd from

deposit 12007 is however of note as evidence for traded commodities.

8.13 Environmental samples were recovered from Trenches 30, 120 and 121. No

meaningful interpretation of the palaeoeconomy can be ascertained from the

remains sampled at this stage; however, the material evidence recovered points

towards an agrarian subsistence with small quantities of charred cereal grains

found. There is a small indication from these assemblages of settlement activities,

including crop processing, taking place, especially in the area of Trenches 120 and

121, further confirming the settlement activity to the west of these trenches. These

samples have shown that molluscs are preserved on the site, with their evidence

suggesting that generally the local landscape appears to be a well-established open

landscape with some evidence for environments prone to seasonal flooding and

desiccation.

8.14 A total of 23 fragments (375g) of animal bone from Late Iron Age to Roman period

contexts were recovered from the site, the species identified were horse, cattle and

sheep/goat. The size of the recovered assemblage is about average for a settlement

of this period and the overall make-up of the assemblage is not untypical of small-

scale domestic rural settlement.

8.15 Evidence for Roman activity in the wider vicinity of the site comprises pits, ditches,

field boundaries and find spots indicative of a widely settled landscape. Pottery

evidence recovered from archaeological excavation suggests that a small Romano-

British farmstead, located approximately 1km to the south-west, on the land around

Middlemore Farm, was occupied during the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.

Medieval to modern (1540 to present) 8.16 The majority of the medieval to post-medieval/modern period evidence identified

across the site appears to be related to agricultural activity.


61


Ridge and furrow 8.17 The evaluation identified a series of furrows orientated east/west, north-east/south-

west and north-west/south-east within Trenches 6, 19, 22-24, 26-27, 32, 43, 50, 52-

55, 59-61, 76, 105, 109 and 111. These represent partial elements of the former

open field system and indicate that the area was utilised as arable land during the

medieval period.

8.18 No dating evidence was recovered from these features, however, a medieval date

for their initial construction is suggested, based on the morphology, as depicted on

the geophysical survey, which shows a reversed S-shaped curve evident in their

alignment and the spacing of the selions (individual strips) (Taylor 1975, 82;

Rackham 1986, 167-9). The identified field alignments appear to respect one

another and form parts of a contemporaneous field system, with the variation in the

alignments of the furrows and the evidence from the geophysical survey taken to

indicate that the site covers parts of three or more former open fields. The presence

of furrows identified across the site indicates that the site formed part of the

agricultural hinterland of Welton/Daventry during the medieval period.

Field Systems 8.19 The evaluation identified ditches and agricultural features across the site. The

alignments of the ditches suggest a coherent, contemporaneous field system, which,

based on historic mapping, finds and morphologically characteristic elements,

developed organically from the sub-division of the medieval open fields.

8.20 The field system comprised ditches 402, 6502, 7102, 7203, 8102, 8202, 8303, 9105,

10402, 10404, 10703, 11402, 11404, 11702, 11802, 12003 and 12105. The majority

of the ditches correspond with field boundaries depicted on the First Edition

Ordnance Survey Map of 1885. The remaining field boundary ditches fit within the

general alignment of the surrounding field systems depicted on historic and current

Ordnance Survey mapping. Based on morphological characteristics these field

systems predominantly relate to Parliamentary Enclosures of the post-medieval

period, with partial surviving elements of earlier medieval strip fields.

821 A large quarry pit located within the western part of the site may relate to

construction activity connected with the building of the M42 motorway.


62


Undated 8.22 Further pits and ditches were revealed across the site which did not contain any

diagnostic artefacts. However, several of these can be tentatively phased based on

location, morphology and/or characteristics.

8.23 Further evidence of possible Roman activity comprises the flanking ditches of a

possible trackway identified within Trenches 99, 101 and 110, as ditches 9904,

9906, 9910, 10102, 10104, 10106, 11002, 11004 and 11006. Although no datable

material was recovered from these ditches, the trackway appears to lead to, and

from, the settlement identified to the north-east.

8.24 Ditches 9403, 9503 and 9505, likewise appear to form the possible flanking ditches

of a further putative trackway, however, although the ditches are aligned towards the

Roman settlement within the site, they are also close in orientation to the medieval

to modern field system established within the site and as such definitive

interpretation is not possible.

8.25 Four large pits, 5703, 5803, 9002 and 9104, were recorded within the northern part

of the site. Pits 9003 and 9103 were located close to the existing farm complex and

appear to form parts of one large pit. A series of extant ponds, of similar dimensions

are located to the north and north-east of this feature, which were first depicted on

the First Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1885. These features may be

contemporaneous, likely representing either localised quarrying, or deliberately dug

ponds. The pits within Trenches 57 and 58 are likewise interpreted as forming a

single pit. The full extent and use of these large pits remain unclear, but they are

thought likely to relate to localised quarrying.

8.26 The remaining undated ditches are of uncertain origin and cannot be definitively

attributed with either the Iron Age, Roman or medieval to modern remains recorded

on site. Similarly, the undated pits located within Trenches 99, 106, 115 and 117

cannot be attributed to any of the identified periods of activity.


63


9. CA PROJECT TEAM

9.1 Fieldwork was undertaken by Ralph Brown, assisted by Molly Day, Susanna Ferron,

Mathieu Ferron, Callum Ruse, Adrian Arenas, Izabela Jurkiewicz, Tommaso Rossi,

Rosie Maguiness, Barbara Grahame, Sharon Amann, Victor Urbano and Nil

Carcarer Fabregas. The report was written by James Coyne. The finds report was

written by Pete Banks and Andy Clarke respectively. The illustrations were prepared

by Esther Escudero. The archive has been compiled by Emily Evans, and prepared

for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by Stuart Joyce.


64


10. REFERENCES

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Journal of Conchology 38, 607-637

BGS (British Geological Survey) 2019 Geology of Britain Viewer

http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html Accessed 14

February 2019

Baker, P. and Worley, F. 2014 Animal bones and archaeology: Guidelines for best

practice Swindon, English Heritage

Barclay, A., Booth, P., Knight D., Evans, J., Brown, D.H. and Wood, I., 2016 A standard for

pottery studies in Archaeology Historic England

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2018 Land at Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire:

Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Evaluation

CgMs Consulting, 2014 Heritage Statement. Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire

CIfA 2014 Standard and guidance: Archaeological field evaluation

Davies, P. 2008 Snails Archaeology and Landscape Change, Oxford, Oxbow Books

EH (English Heritage) 2008 Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment

(MORPHE): Project Planning Note 3

Greig, J. 1991 ‘The British Isles’ in van Zeist, W., Wasylikowa, K. and Behre, K-E. (eds),229-

334

Hancock, A., 2006, Archaeological Evaluation: Land at Monksmoor Farm, Daventry, p.14

(Report). SNN107193

http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology%20viewer_google/googleviewer.html


65


Kerney, M.P. 1999 Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Molluscs of Britain and Ireland,

Colchester, Harley

MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) 2019 National Planning

Policy Framework

NCC (Northamptonshire County Council) 2018 Brief for the archaeological field evaluation of

land at Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire

PCRG, 2010 Prehistoric ceramics research group guidelines Occasional Papers 1 and 2

Rackham O 1986 History of the Countryside, London, Phoenix Press

Stace, C. 1997 New Flora of the British Isles, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press

Books

Taylor C 1975 Fields in the English Landscape, London, J M Dent & Sons Ltd

Tomber, R. and Dore, J. 1998 The National Roman Fabric Reference Collection: A

Handbook Museum of London Archaeological Service, London

ULAS 2017 Archaeological attendance and recording during exploratory trial pits at Mickle

Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire ULAS Report No 2017-169

van Zeist, W., Wasylikowa, K. and Behre, K-E. (eds) 1991 Progress in Old World

Palaeoethnobotany, Rotterdam, Balkema

Zohary, D., Hopf, M. and Weiss, E. 2012 Domestication of plants in the Old World: the origin

and spread of cultivated plants in West Asia, Europe, and the Nile Valley, 4th

edition, Oxford, Clarendon Press

land at mickle well park daventry northamptonshire...land at mickle well park, daventry,...

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